News Release

Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski poses for a picture with a graduate during the University's winter commencement ceremony. A total of 436 candidates received degrees. (Photo by Taylor Allan/Northwest Missouri State University)

While a total of 436 candidates received degrees in the winter class, the top three majors were elementary education, business management and accounting. The top graduate degree was applied computer science.

The graduates consisted of 236 females and 200 males ranging in age from 20 to 60 years old. The graduates included 290 Missouri residents, and 146 from other states. Four different countries were represented in the class, including Brazil, India and the Peoples Republic of China.

Recalling their accomplishments at Northwest, University President Dr. John Jasinski praised the graduates for their courage, persistence and the successes they achieved.

“Each of you sitting before us today is an example of the perseverance, collaboration, citizenship and hard work that we value at Northwest Missouri State University,” Jasinski told the graduates. “These are the types of skills that make Northwest students champions not only in the classroom but also in the workplace and in their personal lives.”

Jeff Borchardt, a 1982 Northwest graduate and current president and chief executive officer of the Kansas City Board of Trade, delivered the University's commencement address. Noting about one-third of staff members at the Board of Trade are Northwest alumni, Borchardt said Northwest graduates are known for having solid backgrounds, good work ethics and grounded career expectations.

“Your Northwest education should serve you well in providing a solid theoretical knowledge base to apply in actual practice,” Borchardt said in his address. “Essentially your education has prepared you for your impending on the job training. Northwest has shown you how to use the tools of your trade, and your employer will show you the plan, and from there you’re ready to begin building. However, the way in which you go about building, both your professional and personal lives can be critical to your future success.”

Borchardt offered some constructive advice to the class of graduates, encouraging them to live their professional and personal lives with integrity, live in a way that is financially responsible and work in a way that earns recognition as valued employees.

“You should all take pride in your Northwest accomplishments and reflect fondly on the memories of the time that you’ve spent here,” Borchardt said. “Stay connected with Northwest as proud alumni. The greatest way to show your love and appreciation for Northwest after you graduate is to give back some of your time, talent and treasures.”

Founded in 1905, Northwest Missouri State University is a comprehensive university that offers 140 undergraduate degree programs, 36 master degrees programs, and one doctorate program in cooperation with the University of Missouri-Columbia. Northwest is a vibrant, residential campus with an enrollment of more than 7,200 students, representing 48 states and 33 countries.